MARTIN AUGUSTINE KNAPP
KNAPP, MARTIN AUGUSTINE, LL.D., lawyer and Interstate Commerce commissioner, was born in Spafford, New York, November 6, 1843. He was graduated from Wesleyan university, 1868, and commenced the active work of life in 1870, as a lawyer at Syracuse, New York. He was a member of the Syracuse board of education, 1875-77, and was corporation counsel of that city, 1877-83. In February, 1891, he was appointed by President Harrison a member of the Interstate Commerce commission; he was reappointed by President Cleveland, February, 1897, and by President Roosevelt in December, 1902. Since January, 1898, he has been chairman of the commission.
His parents were Justus Norton and Polly (McKay) Knapp. His father was a man of integrity and public spirit who served his community in various positions of trust. Martin Augustine Knapp was married to Marion Hotchkiss, December 29, 1869. He received the degree of LL.D. from Wesleyan university in 1892. He is a member of the Union League and Transportation clubs of New York, of the Citizens and University clubs of Syracuse, and of the Cosmos club of Washington. He has always been identified with the Republican party. In religious matters he affiliates with the Unitarian denomination. He finds his principal diversion in reading and in social enjoyment.
His early life was passed in the country. He was interested in books and in the sports and pastimes which are popular with boys in a farming region. His health was good and his tasks did not interfere with his studies.
He was free to choose his own profession. The influences which have tended to his advancement he names as home, educational opportunities, and contact with men who have been more successful than himself. In his experience, works on economics and sociology have proved the most helpful reading. He has contributed to various magazines and made numerous addresses on railway transportation
